They took far different paths to get here, and yet, come training camp in September, Phil Varone and Mikhail Grigorenko may very well be competing for the same NHL job.

Grigorenko is, if all goes according to plan, a star in waiting for the Buffalo Sabres. Selected in the first round of the 2012 draft, 12th overall, the Russian-born centerman has the skill set and size to be an impact player.

Varone, meanwhile, was a free-agent signee who, ever since his junior career ended, has been doing his best to prove people wrong. Himself included.

As the Rochester Americans packed up their gear and went through exit interviews with the coaching staff on Tuesday morning, players looked back at the season and also ahead to next year.

They were eliminated on Sunday in the fifth and deciding game of the first-round playoff series with a 4-2 loss to the Chicago Wolves.

"It's tough watching your bag get packed," Varone said, "as you go from one day in the middle of an intense playoff battle to the next day when you don't even know what to do with your life for the next month."

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Video by Kevin Oklobzija

Grigorenko, who turns 20 on May 16, had yet another "what team am I on" adventure. He started with the Sabres, and then, after a trip to join Russia for the World Junior Championships, was sent back to his junior team in Quebec City, only to come to the Amerks for the AHL stretch drive.

"I was all over the place," he said.

In other words, it was a lot like last season. And just like in 2012-13, when there also was an NHL firing, he played for five coaches (one with the Quebec Remparts, two with the Sabres, one at the World Juniors and then one with the Amerks). That's a lot of different voices stressing different ideas or styles.

"That's head coaches, not assistants," Grigorenko said with a smile. "Some coaches like you more, some coaches like you less. But every coach wants the best for you. They were all trying to help me."

He likes the idea of knowing there very likely will be just two possible coaches next season: Ted Nolan with the Sabres or, most likely, Chadd Cassidy with the Amerks. Cassidy hasn't addressed his status with Sabres general manager Tim Murray, but his contract does extend at least through next season.

Grigorenko played the final nine regular-season games with the Amerks (four assists) and then all five Calder Cup playoff games in the 3-2 series loss to the Chicago Wolves. He didn't have a point in the playoffs but was nonetheless effective in many situations.

He was robbed by Wolves All-Star goalie Jake Allen on a late-game wraparound on Sunday that would have tied the score, and coach Chadd Cassidy had him on the ice during the sixth-attacker scramble.

Varone was out there in the final minute, too. For the second time in his three pro seasons, he was the Amerks leading scorer, and much of their attack centered around his play-making.

When he first arrived in Rochester to start the 2011-12 season, he didn't know how long he'd even be around. A full-ride scholarship at the University of New Brunswick had been offered.

"I didn't exactly have teams knocking at my door," he said. "I was ready to go that route."

Now, three seasons into a pro career, he's thankful he stuck with his dream. He accepted an AHL contract for his rookie season and then earned a three-year entry level deal that kicked in last season.

"It's luck; I'm not naïve, the cards fell for me," he said.

He has made the very most of the opportunity, too. In late January he received his first promotion to the NHL, playing nine games (one goal, one assist). He learned for himself that he was by no means out of place.

"It's one thing to play there; it's another to produce there and be a part of the solution," Varone said. "Me, personally, I see myself as one of those (solution) guys. Now I have to prove that I am."

He has put together a pretty solid résumé but pointed out that "it would be a lot better with going far in the playoffs and winning a championship."